THE Y HELPS WACO CHILDREN LEARN TO BE SAFE AROUND WATER

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The YMCA of Central Texas has increased its availability of water safety and swim lessons in underserved communities.

WACO, April 11, 2018 – As part of the Y’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the YMCA of Central Texas will provide scholarships for swim instruction and water safety to children from underserved communities in Waco and McLennan County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages one to 14. A study conducted in 2011 by USA Swimming found that in ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average. Additionally, nearly six out of 10 African American and Hispanic/Latino children are unable to swim, nearly twice as many as their Caucasian counterparts.

“Educating children about how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street,” said Evan Bates, Aquatic Director, YMCA of Central Texas. “The Y teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives, it builds confidence.”

The Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The YMCA of Central Texas continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including YMCA Youth Swim lessons, Safety Around Water, Private Lessons, open family swim, Scuba and much more.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It teaches the life lessons of sport and sportsmanship so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing—skills that last a lifetime.

To learn how to qualify for financial assistance, please contact Renee Bohannon at (254) 776.6612 renee.bohannon@ymcactx.org or Evan Bates at evan.bates@ymcactx.org.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
The YMCA of Central Texas is a registered 501 (c)(3) organization, Tax ID# 74-2668685, and contributions are tax deductible.